Property landlord Paul, 35, will be joined by his wife Sarah, the new mayoress, in his new civic role.

Speaking at the ceremony, friend and fellow councillor Marlene Haworth said: "He takes his position as councillor very seriously and he works tirelessly for the people in Barnfield. He has been known to move rubbish and empty dog bins – all in his three-piece suit.

"I’m sure that in his role as mayor, he will be a great ambassador for the borough, along with his lovely wife Sarah as mayoress. Well done, Paul. Have a great year."

Fellow councillor Miles Parkinson, who covers the Clayton-le-Moors area, added: "It’s an honour bestowed on very few people that get to serve the borough with distinction."

Councillor Paul Barton said: "I am very pleased to be chosen to represent the borough as mayor.

"Pam Barton and her mayoress Sue Johnson have been a real credit to the borough and will be a hard act to follow. I want to thank her on behalf of everyone in the borough of Hyndburn."

Councillor Barton and his wife Sarah have nominated three charities to benefit from the Mayoral Charity Fund including the Guide and Scout movement – which the couple are involved with – Accrington Blind Society and the the Paul Hunter Foundation.

During the service in the council chamber at the town hall, Councillor Pam Barton was elected to take on the role of deputy mayor.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony was 102-year-old Alice Horne, of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, who is believed to be one of the oldest honorary freemen in the country.

During her year in office Councillor Pam Barton and her mayoress managed to raise an impressive £24,000 for charity.

She said: "Thank you for the opportunity to be your mayor for the last 12 months. We have been humbled by the people and organisations in Hyndburn who have made us very welcome."